High-ranking Russian officials are expressing outrage over claims that President Joe Biden has given Ukraine the green light to utilize long-range missiles, specifically provided by the U.S., to target locations deep within Russian territory. This marks a potential pivot in U.S. policy regarding the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, although no official confirmation of such a decision has been made.
Maria Butina, a member of the Russian parliament, warned that this move could catapult us toward World War III. “I genuinely hope,” she added, “that if Trump returns to the presidency next year, he can retract this potentially explosive decision.” Butina previously spent 15 months in a U.S. prison for operating as an unregistered agent and currently represents the ruling United Russia party.
Reports from The New York Times have suggested that Biden’s administration did reach this decision, yet the Kremlin remains silent on the matter. In a recent statement on September 12, President Vladimir Putin pointed out that Western approval for such military assistance would signify “direct NATO involvement,” given that targeting and using these missiles would require NATO’s military infrastructure.
As late as October, Putin remarked that Russia’s defense ministry was exploring various strategies to retaliate should the U.S. and its NATO allies support Ukraine’s assaults into Russian territory. He observed, “There are people in the U.S. who might have nothing to lose, or who are so out of touch that they don’t consider the ramifications.” This harsh critique highlights the risky chess game being played on the global stage.
Turning to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to the situation by declaring that the long-range missiles would ultimately “speak for themselves.” “Right now, there’s a lot of chatter in the media suggesting we’ve been authorized to undertake decisive actions. The truth is, actions speak louder than words, and these missiles will make our intentions crystal clear,” he emphasized during a recent evening broadcast.
Meanwhile, Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, expressed his hope that EU nations could find common ground on permitting Ukraine to launch strikes into Russia. “I keep reiterating that Ukraine has to be equipped to not only shield itself but to hit back at the adversary,” he asserted ahead of a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels. “I have faith that we will revisit this discussion, and I hope member states can rally behind this necessary step,” he stated.
On another front, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un claimed that the U.S. and its Western allies are utilizing the Ukrainian military as “shock troops” against Russia, potentially igniting a broader global conflict. Reports indicate that South Korea and the U.S. have accused North Korea of dispatching over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russian forces, suggesting that Kim is seeking advanced military technology and battlefield experience in exchange.
Despite these allegations, North Korea has denied any troop deployments. In a speech broadcasted by the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim neglected to mention these claims. However, he insisted that the U.S. and its allies are trying to “expand their military interventions worldwide,” using the instability in Ukraine as a testing ground for their forces.
Kim, concerned about the implications of ongoing U.S. military support for Ukraine, remarked, “This continued backing could very well elevate tensions to the brink of World War III.” He reiterated his commitment to enhancing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities “without limits,” signaling a concerning escalation in regional military postures.
Adding to the tension, South Korea recently indicated it might reconsider its stance on providing lethal assistance to Ukraine. This comes as reports surfaced that North Korean troops have begun “engaging in combat operations” alongside Russian forces near Ukraine’s border. Analysts, like Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification, suggest that Kim is likely contemplating additional troop deployments to bolster Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.
In a significant gesture, North Korea formalized a new defense pact with Russia lately, strengthening the military ties that date back to their Cold War alliance. This agreement raises fears in the West that Russia may offer North Korea crucial technological support to further its nuclear weapons ambitions. Given North Korea’s recent missile tests, including the launch of a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile, the regional security dynamic seems precariously volatile.
This evolving situation highlights a stark reality: The interplay of nations, fueled by ambitions and alliances, is paving the path toward an increasingly uncertain global landscape. As countries focus on their military readiness and strategic partnerships, the risk of miscalculation spirals, potentially leading us toward a calamitous confrontation.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
